Understanding Travel PT Pay: The Sweet Deal That Pays You to Live Your Best Life
So, you’ve heard about travel PT, and now you’re wondering—what’s the deal with the pay? Is it as good as people say, or are you just getting by while you hop from city to city? Spoiler alert: Travel PT pay isn’t just decent, it’s seriously good. We’re talking big bucks here. But don’t just take my word for it—let’s break it down and compare it to a traditional salaried PT job. Spoiler: travel PT wins.
How Travel PT Pay Works
As a travel PT, you’re paid hourly, and that’s pretty sweet because you get the flexibility of earning based on your hours worked. You also get stipends—yes, you read that right—extra cash for housing and meals that are tax-free. These stipends are often maxed out depending on your location, and they can really add up. Let’s say you’re working 40 hours a week in Dallas, Texas, with an hourly rate of $21/hour. You’re also getting the maximum allowable stipends for housing and meals in that area.
Example Breakdown for Dallas:
- Hourly Rate: $21/hr for 40 hours/week = $840 = $672 after tax
- Housing Stipend: $988/week (tax-free!)
- Meals Stipend: $240/week (tax-free!)
So, your total weekly pay (before taxes) would be $2,068. After taxes, you’d take home around $1,900 a week. That’s right—$1,900 in your pocket every week, with room to explore and live in amazing cities across the country.
But Wait—How Does This Compare to a Salaried PT?
Now, let’s see how this stacks up against an experienced salaried PT working in a state like Colorado. A traditional PT with an annual salary of around $105,901 (a pretty solid figure for a salaried PT in Colorado) would earn about $2,035 a week before taxes. Sounds decent, right? But let’s factor in those taxes. In Colorado, the total tax rate (federal, state, and FICA) is about 34.2%. After taxes, a salaried PT’s weekly paycheck would shrink to about $1,340.
Salaried PT Breakdown:
- Annual Salary: $105,901
- Weekly Gross Pay: $2,035
- Taxes (34.2%): $696
- Weekly Net Pay: $1,340
Now, compare that to the $1,900 a week that the travel PT is taking home. That’s an extra $560 a week—and that’s after taxes. We’re talking an additional $28,000+ a year in your pocket. That’s like getting an extra paycheck every month. If you’re looking to pay off loans, save for a house, or travel abroad for an unforgettable adventure, then this money will help you reach your goals faster and with more freedom.
The Perks Beyond the Paycheck
It’s not all about the money (though, let’s be honest, it’s a big part). As a travel PT, you also get to choose where you live. Want to spend a few months in sunny California or vibrant Nashville? You got it. You’re also eligible for reimbursements on travel expenses, like gas, flights, or car rentals, which means more cash in your pocket to fund your next adventure.
And then there’s the freedom—flexibility in your schedule, the ability to explore new cities, and a lifestyle that’s anything but ordinary. That’s something you just don’t get in a traditional salaried position, no matter how nice the paycheck is.
Why Travel PT Makes Financial Sense
When you combine the hourly pay with tax-free stipends, the math becomes obvious: travel PT makes way more money than a traditional salaried PT. You’re not just earning more; you’re also building a lifestyle of flexibility and adventure that’s hard to beat.
So, why not make the most of it? Choose travel PT, earn more, and live life on your own terms. Whether you’re exploring new cities, hiking mountains, or simply enjoying a change of scenery every few months, travel PT offers a paycheck that’s as adventurous as your life. Ready to start living your best life—and make more money while doing it? Let’s go.
